The Year of the Trade: NFL trade deadline shakes the league

Kevin Korbel
Sports Editor

The NFL trade deadline in years past has seen minimal to no activity during the season. Now, the deadline this season has made its mark on the landscape of the NFL, turning into a time where you see a lot of movement around the league.  

The NFL deadline for trades has passed, and there have been a number of moves that have made a huge impact across the league. Here are the five biggest moves from the beginning of the season, all the way to the deadline: 

Khalil Mack to the Bears  

Mack was acquired by the Chicago Bears for two first-round picks before the beginning of the season and has been a main staple on a Bears defense that’s ranked No. 1 by Pro Football Focus. Mack has had an outstanding year for the Bears, amounting 20 total tackles, 5.0 sacks, four forced fumbles, and an interception this season. 

Amari Cooper to the Cowboys 

The other notable Raider traded during the deadline, Cooper looks to be the missing piece that the Cowboys have been looking for on offense this season. Cooper, who is still 24 years old, was acquired for a first-round pick, and it’s too early to see yet just how far the Alabama-product will go the rest of his career. 

Demaryius Thomas to the Texans 

A seasoned veteran from the Denver Broncos, Thomas was the staple for the Broncos offense for the last nine years. The receiver who’s most known for his heroic catch from Tim Tebow vs. the Pittsburgh Steelers in the playoffs years ago, now looks to fill in a void at wide receiver for the Houston Texans now that Will Fuller is out for the rest of the season after tearing a ligament in his right knee. And who’s Demaryius’ first opponent going to be with the Texans? You guessed it! His former team, the Broncos, this Sunday in Denver. 

Golden Tate to the Eagles 

Tate was in the rumors to get traded, but it didn’t look like it would happen, since nobody would offer a mid-round pick for the former Super Bowl winner. Then the Eagles called and offered a third-round pick for the receiver, and the Detroit Lions didn’t hesitate to take the deal. Look for the Eagles to use him up on offense. 

Dante Fowler to the Rams  

The former first-round pick will be a force on a Rams defense that now features four former first-round picks on their defensive line. The move to acquire him solidifies the team as a candidate to win the Super Bowl this season. 

Josh Gordon to the Patriots 

In what might be the biggest steal of the season, the Patriots acquired Josh Gordon for a fifth-round pick. So far this season, he’s been a commodity of quarterback Tom Brady when he’s on the field, surpassing 100 receiving yards versus the Bears a couple of weeks ago. 

Feature photo courtesy of Associated Press.